On the one hand, the £36m capture of Mohamed Salah is beginning to look like a steal given his pre-season form and the huge prices being paid for players elsewhere, while the signings of Dominic Solanke and Andy Robertson also look to be shrewd pieces of business.

But on the other, the embarrassment the club suffered over their attempts to sign Virgil van Dijk and subsequent failure to agree a fee for Naby Keita have left fans frustrated, and there are real fears that neither deal will get over the line now.

Ouch (Image: Reuters / Phil Noble)

Van Dijk is suddenly being linked with a move to Chelsea, while Keita's club RB Leipzig continue to play hardball over a player Reds supporters have fallen in love with this summer through watching him on various YouTube videos.

And then there's the case of Philippe Coutinho - a player they've been in love with for four-and-a-half years.

Coutinho is a wanted man (Image: REUTERS)

The Brazilian is being strongly linked with a move to Barcelona - who have "agreed terms" with him according to the latest reports in Spain - and all of that opens up the prospect of a nightmare scenario for Reds fans.

Because what if... *shudders*

What if... *gags a little bit*

What if... *whispers quietly* Coutinho goes to Barca, AND the Reds fail sign BOTH Van Dijk and Keita?